The Emerald Coast is one of Brittany’s most iconic locations, with its breathtaking landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and sandy beaches. For nature and hiking lovers, this region also offers a multitude of hiking trails, from peaceful coastal walks to more challenging GR-style hikes. In this article, we’ve rounded up our top 10 hikes and walks on the Emerald Coast, from the most famous spots to the region’s hidden gems. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, you’re sure to find a getaway that suits you on this list. So pack your backpack, lace up your walking shoes and discover the natural beauty that the Emerald Coast has to offer.

The Pointe de la Varde hike:

This 4 km hike takes you to the Pointe de la Varde, offering panoramic views of the bay of Saint-Malo and the surrounding islands.

The Pointe de la Varde hike is a unique experience that will allow you to discover one of the most beautiful views in the region. Imagine yourself climbing a path that winds through wild and unspoiled landscapes, until you reach the summit of the Pointe de la Varde. From there, you will have a breathtaking view of the bay of Saint-Malo, with its magnificent golden sand beaches and crystal clear waters that sparkle in the sun. You will also be able to admire the surrounding islands, which punctuate the horizon with their mysterious silhouettes.1561

Pointe de la Varde is a place steeped in history. During the Second World War, it was used as a German defense base to protect the entrance to the Rance. The remains of this occupation are still visible on the site, including bunkers and cannons. In addition, Pointe de la Varde is also a favorite place for observing migratory birds, including northern gannets and shags that regularly stop there during their migration. Finally, Pointe de la Varde offers a breathtaking view of the island of Ebihens, which is home to a lighthouse dating from 1886 and which is accessible at low tide by a submersible path.

The Cap Fréhel hike:

This 7 km hike will allow you to discover the wild and steep landscapes of Cap Fréhel, as well as its emblematic lighthouse.

From the lighthouse car park, you can follow the marked trail that takes you through the Breton moorland and steep cliffs. All along the way, you will be amazed by the breathtaking views of the sea and the neighbouring islands. You can also admire the local flora and fauna.

During the hike, you will reach the Cap Fréhel lighthouse, an iconic landmark of the region. Built in 1950, this 34-meter-high lighthouse is the most powerful in France, with a range of 100 km. You can visit the lighthouse and climb up to the observation platform to enjoy a 360-degree view of the region.

After visiting the lighthouse, you can continue your hike by following the path that runs along the coast to La Fresnaye beach. This fine sand beach is ideal for a relaxing break or for a refreshing swim in the ocean.

Cap Fréhel is a place of great ecological wealth. It is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, some of which are rare or endangered. For example, the Cap Fréhel moor is considered one of the last refuges in France for the protected species of four-cornered heather. Cap Fréhel is also a nesting site for many species of seabirds, such as shags, herring gulls and kittiwakes. In addition, Cap Fréhel is an important archaeological site, with traces of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic period. Finally, the Cap Fréhel hike offers spectacular views of the Emerald Coast and the sea, as well as the island of Bréhat on a clear day.

The Mont Garrot hike:

This 9 km hike takes you to the summit of Mont Garrot, offering panoramic views of the bay of Saint-Brieuc and the surrounding islands.

Mont Garrot is located just 10 km northwest of Saint-Brieuc and is easily accessible by car. The starting point of the hike is near the Ville Berneuf beach. You can easily park your car in the dedicated car park and begin your adventure.

The hiking trail is very well marked and offers a variety of landscapes along the way. You will pass through wooded areas, fields of wildflowers and steep cliffs before reaching the summit of Mont Garrot. The trail can be slightly steep at times, so comfortable hiking shoes are recommended.

Mont Garrot is a place of legend. According to oral tradition, a treasure is said to be hidden somewhere on the mountain, attracting treasure hunters for centuries. Legend has it that this treasure was buried by the Templars or the Knights of Malta, and that it contains precious objects such as jewels, weapons and sacred relics. Although many searches have been undertaken to find this treasure, none have ever been discovered. Furthermore, Mont Garrot is home to a variety of flora, including wild orchids and flowering heather. Finally, the Mont Garrot hike is also a great place for bird watching, with the presence of species such as the peregrine falcon, the red kite and the grey heron.

The Moulins trail walk in Saint-Cast:

This 3 km walk will allow you to discover the windmills and tide mills which have shaped the landscape of the Saint-Cast peninsula.

The walk starts at La Fresnaye beach, where you can park easily. The path is well marked and easy to follow, making it a hike suitable for all levels. Along the way, you can admire the landscapes of the Breton coast, with its steep cliffs and fine sandy beaches.

But what makes this hike really special are the windmills and tide mills that you will discover along the way. The first mill you will come across is the Moulin de la Saline, which dates back to the 18th century and was used to grind salt. You will also be able to see the Moulin de la Fontaine, which was used to grind grain, as well as the Moulin de la Ville Es Meniers, which was used to produce linseed oil, and you will go from discovery to discovery all along this walk.

The Moulins trail in Saint-Cast is rich in history. Over the centuries, mills have played a crucial role in the local economy, allowing the processing of cereals, salt and flax. Windmills were used for grinding cereals, while tide mills were used for salt production. However, in the 19th century, with the rise of industry, most of the mills were abandoned and fell into disrepair. Today, some mills have been restored and can be visited, such as the Moulin du Prat and the Moulin du Crac'h. In addition, the Moulins trail offers breathtaking views of the coast, with the presence of cliffs, coves and sandy beaches. Finally, this walk is also an ideal place for bird watching, with the presence of many species such as the cormorant, the black-headed gull and the herring gull.

The Pointe du Chevet hike:

This 5 km hike takes you to Pointe du Chevet, offering breathtaking views of the cliffs of the Emerald Coast.

The trail starts at the end of the beach, on the right. The route is relatively easy, but you have to be careful because the paths can be slippery in wet weather.

During the hike you will have the chance to see a wide variety of plants and animals, including seabirds such as cormorants and gulls. You will also pass by remains of ancient fortifications and learn about the history of the area.

The hike ends with the arrival at Pointe du Chevet. This is the perfect place to take a break and admire the breathtaking view of the coastal cliffs. You can also see Fort La Latte in the distance, an impressive medieval fortress.

The Pointe du Chevet is also a place of legend and mystery. According to oral tradition, this point was once the gathering place of Celtic druids, who practiced rituals and religious ceremonies there. Nowadays, it is possible to observe on the Pointe du Chevet vestiges of the Celtic era, such as menhirs and standing stones, which have been preserved over the centuries. In addition, this hike also offers the possibility of spotting dolphins and seals, which are often present in the crystal clear waters of the Emerald Coast.

The walk through the Corbière woods in Dinard:

This 2 km walk will allow you to discover the Corbière woods, a haven of peace in the heart of Dinard.

It is an enchanting place located in the heart of Dinard, in Brittany. This 26-hectare forest is a true haven of peace, perfect for a family walk or a solitary hike.

The Corbière woods are an ideal place to observe the local fauna and flora. You can discover a wide variety of birds, butterflies, as well as squirrels, foxes and hedgehogs. It is possible to come across a deer and its tribe, but this remains rare due to their fearful nature. Deer are wild and wary animals, who prefer to avoid any contact with human beings, especially if they perceive their presence.

Interestingly, Corbière Wood has a rich and varied history. Over the centuries it has been used for charcoal, sheep grazing, and was even the scene of battles during the Second World War. Today it is preserved as a natural area of ​​ecological, faunal and floral interest. In addition to its remarkable fauna and flora, Corbière Wood is also renowned for its tranquility and serenity, offering a calming and rejuvenating walking experience.

To access the Corbière woods, you can park nearby, or come on foot from the city center of Dinard. Pets are also welcome, but it is important to keep them on a leash to preserve the tranquility of the woods.

The Briantais trail hike:

This 7km hike takes you along the Briantais trail, offering panoramic views of Saint-Malo Bay and the surrounding islands.

This hike is suitable for all fitness levels, with gentle climbs and descents and a well-maintained trail. The paths are also wide, allowing hikers to stroll comfortably.

The Briantais Trail is actually an old customs path that runs along the coast. It takes its name from the nearby Château de la Briantais. By taking this trail, hikers can discover a wide variety of coastal landscapes, from Rochebonne beach to the cliffs of the port of Solidor. In addition, this trail is also dotted with many geodetic markers, used to measure the shape of the Earth and geolocation. These markers are often overlooked by visitors, but are an interesting testimony to the history of navigation and cartography.

The Briantais Trail also has a fascinating history linked to the Second World War. Indeed, this trail was used as an escape route for the inhabitants of Saint-Malo during the German occupation. Resistance fighters also used this trail to pass messages and weapons. Hikers can still see remnants of the war along the trail, such as bunkers and fortifications. This hike is therefore a unique opportunity to discover the history and heritage of the region while enjoying spectacular views of the Breton coast.

The Customs Officers’ Trail walk in Saint-Cast:

This 4 km walk will allow you to discover the coves and wild beaches of the Saint-Cast peninsula. The Santorini des Douaniers, also called the GR 34, is a hiking trail that runs along the Breton coast.

The trail is easily accessible and suitable for all levels of hikers. The hike is enjoyable all year round, but is best done during the summer months to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The customs path in Saint-Cast was once a path used by customs officers to monitor smugglers trying to enter the country while avoiding customs duties. This practice was very common in the Saint-Cast region until the 19th century, when the authorities increased coastal surveillance to combat this phenomenon.

During your walk along the trail, you will also be able to observe the remains of the Second World War. Indeed, Saint-Cast was a strategic area during the war due to its geographical position and its ports. Bunkers and blockhouses are still present on the peninsula, witnesses of this dark period of history.

It should be noted that the beaches and coves accessible from the customs officers' path are also a nesting ground for sea turtles. These animals are very rare in Brittany and their presence on the beaches of the Saint-Cast peninsula is therefore an important event. Visitors are encouraged to respect the nesting areas and not to disturb the turtle nests.

The Chemin des Falaises hike: The Chemin des Falaises hike is a unique 10km hiking experience along the cliffs of the Emerald Coast in Brittany. This hike offers spectacular views of the sea and surrounding islands, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes.

The Cliff Path is a great hike at any time of year, but it is particularly beautiful in the summer when the wildflowers are in bloom and the cliffs are covered in green grass. The hike is also popular during the autumn months when the colours change and there are fewer tourists.

The Chemin des Falaises begins at the port of Cancale and heads towards the Pointe du Grouin, offering breathtaking views over the waters of the English Channel.

The Chemin des Falaises is a very popular trail for hikers due to its spectacular views of the coast and sea, in addition, the Chemin des Falaises also offers an interesting insight into the local geology. The cliffs of the Emerald Coast are largely made up of shale and sandstone, which were formed over 300 million years ago. The layers of shale are often tilted at surprising angles, testifying to the tectonic activity that has shaped the area over time.

As for practical information, it is important to note that the Chemin des Falaises is a fairly long and demanding trail, with many steep climbs and descents. It is therefore recommended to be in good physical condition before undertaking it. It is also advisable to wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be slippery in places, especially in wet weather. Finally, it is important to follow the signage and not to venture off the marked trails, as some areas can be dangerous due to the proximity of the cliffs.

The Bird Trail walk in Saint-Jacut:

This 2 km walk will allow you to discover the fauna and flora of the bay of Saint-Jacut, where many species of migratory birds come to rest.

The Bird Trail in Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer has an interesting history. It was once a crossing point for smugglers. They used the small islets along the trail to hide their goods, including tobacco and alcohol. The inhabitants of Saint-Jacut, who earned part of their income from smuggling, often helped the smugglers evade customs officers by guiding them across the rocks and islets.

When it comes to birds, the Bird Trail is an important stopover for migratory birds crossing the Channel. Species such as the black-tailed godwit, dunlin, ruddy turnstone and many more can be seen here. If you are a birdwatcher, this is a place not to be missed!

In practical terms, there are several car parks near the Oiseaux trail, including the Grève des Grèves car park and the Casino car park. The trail is accessible on foot from the town centre of Saint-Jacut-de-la-Mer.

The Plouha cliffs hike:

The Plouha cliffs hike is a hidden gem on the Emerald Coast, offering exceptional views of the highest cliffs in Brittany. This loop trail of around 12 kilometres allows you to discover breathtaking seascapes, between coves, beaches and steep cliffs.

But did you know that the cliffs of Plouha have a rich and fascinating history? Indeed, these cliffs have been the scene of many historical events, such as naval battles between the French and the English during the Wars of Religion. The steep cliffs were a strategic place to install cannons and to monitor enemy movements.

But the cliffs of Plouha have also been home to a darker activity, that of smuggling. For centuries, the Breton coast was a place of passage for smugglers, who sought to smuggle in prohibited goods, such as tobacco or alcohol. The cliffs of Plouha were an ideal place for these illegal activities, providing hiding places and shelters for the smugglers.

Today, the cliffs of Plouha are a place of walking and discovery for nature and history lovers. This hike allows you to discover spectacular landscapes and immerse yourself in a rich and fascinating history. For those who want to know more, it is possible to visit the Museum of the Sea in Paimpol, which traces the maritime history of the region and the cliffs of Plouha.